The Edinburgh forward made his Scotland debut in the summer tour to Argentina and has been rewarded for his efforts against the Pumas, as well as his fine start to the season, with a place in Frank Hadden's Autumn series pool.

“The summer tour was very good for me because it was an opportunity to be introduced to the national team’s training set-up," Cross told Edinburgh's website.

“Now I’ve just been focusing on doing incrementally better each week at my basic roles – winning collisions, staying on my feet and deciding where I’m needed and where I’m not needed.

“That is needed so I can contribute to the team’s performance more efficiently. I’m very happy to work hard, but it is not just about working hard.

“It is about getting pay-back on the effort that you put in.. I feel I have been working more sensibly.”